Boro defender Ben Gibson took a break from the club’s busy schedule to visit Middlesbrough Sportability Club’s half term camp.

The 22-year-old was joined at Holmwood School, Easterside, by North-east born England international Demi Stokes, who currently plays for Manchester City Ladies, and the pair took part in a series of activities with children who regularly attend club sessions.

The Middlesbrough FC Foundation are supporting the sportability club, which aims to involve children in healthy activities and exercise.

Gibson and Stokes played table tennis, had a go at indoor golf and tried their hand at archery. The visit was arranged as part of the Football Association’s Together For England Roadshow with the added aim of promoting the forthcoming international under-21 friendly between England and Germany at the Riverside on Monday, March 30.

Tom Jones, disability coordinator at Middlesbrough Sportability Club, was delighted that the internationals turned up to help.

He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have them here, they are interacting with the kids, who have been looking forward to the event for ages.

“We’re a small community group so for the players and the FA to come down here is fantastic and the kids have been amazed to meet famous footballers.

“I can’t think the Middlesbrough FC Foundation for their help and support, they have been absolutely brilliant.

“Our aim is to help children living on Teesside to get active. It was initially established for disability groups but it’s open to all young people.

“We want to keep them active on weekends and during the holidays, it’s run like a youth club but the idea is to get them involved in physical activities, sporting activities, and a lot of them have forged friendships.”

Middlesbrough-born Gibson was delighted to attend the session, especially because, as a child, he met his Boro heroes at similar events.

“It’s massive to do things in the community and this football club has always been good at it,” he said.

“When I was young it was always amazing to meet one of the Middlesbrough players and it put a big smile on my face and made me aspire to do what I’m doing now.

“I love these events because I was one of the young people once so I can relate to it.

“To put a smile on kid’s face is a really rewarding thing. Joining in the activities at events like this is a really good opportunity for us as well as for them.”

During their stay at Holmwood, the star guests handed out Three Lions goodie bags and tickets for the Riverside friendly.

Tickets are on sale now for the under-21 international friendly between England and Germany costing £10 (adults) and £1 (over-65s, under-18s and students). Seats can be bought online here, from the Riverside ticket office or by phoning 0844 499 1234.